Veracity Mystra DAC (Sold out)

Introduction to Mystra DAC

The Mystra Dac gives natural, captivating sound and is named for Mystra, an ancient Byzantine site in the mountains of Lakonia. This magical city can be reached only through the Taygetos mountains. Here, time is suspended; the world stops; the air is magical, fresh and clear.  Like its ancient Byzantine namesake, the Mystra Dac lifts and transports you from the mundane world, fulfilling the ultimate purpose in music. It will reveal the heart in the music you love. Mystra Dac was built in tandem with Chrysalis. As with the latter, the sound of Mystra will challenge all but the most expensive vinyl system. When you choose Mystra you may make choices on features and functions to match your own wishes or budget.  So here is a bespoke Dac with inspiring, natural detail and giving a rich 3D soundstage . The differences between Chrysalis and Mystra Dacs are detailed for you in the FAQs.  Depending on your choices, Mystra takes up to 38 man hours build.

See below for the feature, technical details and specs  ( And check out the FAQs) 

Overview

Digital to Analogue processor with separate conversion for PCM up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD. DSD64(SACD) and DSD128 double rate support. Dual mono architecture. Three digital inputs, 2x RCA, 1x USB. Analogue volume control with resistor/relay stepped attenuator. Remote control for inputs and volume (handset included). Triode Valve analogue output stage. Preamplifier function (stereo RCA line-in). Stereo RCA and XLR analogue outputs. Headphones output. 

Features

• Dual DAC architecture : Dedicated, dual mono PCM conversion without sample rate change (16, 24bit multibit hybrid and Stand-alone DSD playback without digital processing (1bit PDM direct-to-analogue filter)
• Music file format recognition with automatic adaptive switching: directing PCM format to PCM DAC and DSD format to stand-alone DSD DAC
• Jitter rejection system for SPDIF sources - quad differential receiver with comparator
• Internally, ultra low noise powered, multi-format USB receiver with asynchronous operation
• I2S internal transmission for PCM, ultra precision master clock
• Lch, Rch, native DSD bitstream internal transmission for DSD
• Analogue, jitter free switching for all signals
• Support for Mac OSX 10.6+and Linux with UAC2 compliant kernel without drivers. Support for MS OS Win XP to Win 8, 32-64bit - KS/Wasapi/WDM/ASIO. Windows drivers downloadable from our support page
• Dual mono, dual valve rectified, pure class A, Single Ended Triode valve analogue output
• Pure, passive, direct connection between D/A converters and valves (without transistors, op-amps, capacitors or transformers)
• Jensen Copper foil/paper in oil audio output capacitors
• Analogue volume with non-inductive resistors controlled by relays. Ultra precision and transparency unmatched by any other type. Only two resistors in signal path. R2R shunt operation. 87 levels
• Headphone output for 32Ω - 300Ω headphones (minimalistic high current design, solid state current driver - directly from valves) 150mW into 32Ω
• Line preamplifier function - external analogue source connects straight to SE triode valve through R2R volume control. Output via main analogue outputs
• Remote control for volume and all inputs (manual operation too)
• Handmade in black acrylic remote handset (included)
• Low impedance, high current audio output, coherent with any amplifier
• Soft start (turn ON delay), gives time for the valves to warm-up. During this warm-up time, signal outputs are muted. Audio comes-on automatically after 70 seconds
• Handpicked for sonic performance audio components
• Shielded 3 sections aluminium and steel chassis (Veracity® monocoque)
• Full vibration damping with aluminium / butyl rubber and visco elastic polymer
• 3 mains transformers for pure power separation
• Built-in Schurter mains filter
• Solid, machined aluminium front panel (silver or black)
• Silver plated OFC copper, Kapton insulated wiring
• Full set of valves included (see Tab 1. on Why+FAQ page)
• All countries/mains voltages compatible (via factory settings)
• This DAC is conceived, created and constructed in the United Kingdom
• Handmade, limited series- build to order equipment
• 3 Year RTB Warranty

Specification

Data Support
Format: PCM or DSD
Sample rate (PCM):  44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Word length (PCM) 16bit, 24bit
DSD rate:  SACD standard (2.8MHz) DSD64 and DSD128 double rate (5.6MHz-6.144MHz)
DSD transfer support: raw (native) DSD or DSD over PCM (DoP) into USB input with ASIO/WASAPI driver
D/Analogue conversion method:
PCM- multibit hybrid
DSD- 1bit ΔΣ, analogue filter 
PCM processing S/N ratio >120 dB
DSD reconstruction filter S/N ratio >112 dB

Digital audio inputs 
Coaxial SPDIF x 2
USB x 1

USB digital input details
Connector: USB type B 
Format: PCM and raw (native) DSD with ASIO driver or DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM)
Transfer mode: Asynchronous
O/S device name: combo384/ASIO , Amanero Technologies/WASAPI, KS

Input sample rates and format
SPDIF: (PCM) 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz/16bit, 24bit
USB: (PCM) 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz/16bit, 24bit. (DSD) DSD64(2.82MHz), DSD128(x 44.1- 5.64MHz), DSD128 (x 48- 6.14MHZ)

Analogue audio input
RCA (pair) x 1, line level signal input,
Sensitivity: 100mV - 2.81Vrms
Input frequency range: 5Hz - 100kHz +0/ -2dB

Analogue audio outputs
RCA unbalanced x 1 pair, XLR (Jensen passive) balanced x 1 pair
Output level minimum: step 1- 0.0001V (-77.78dBu)
Output level maximum: step 87- 3.777V (+13.76dBu)
Output impedance: 209Ω (RCA), 600Ω (XLR)

Headphones output
1 x stereo, 6.35mm Jack socket
Support for 32Ω to 300Ω headphones
Power: 150mW (depends on headphone impedance)
Maximum output current: 250mA
Headphone driver takes signal directly from valve outputs. Output level is controlled via main volume 

Frequency response
PCM sampled at 192kHz: 5Hz - 40kHz +0/-3dB
PCM sampled at 44.1kHz: 5Hz - 20kHz +0/-0.2dB
DSD64 - 5Hz - 50kHz +0/-3dB
DSD128 - 5Hz - 50kHz +0/-3dB
THD at 1KHz (2.77V, +11.06dBu): <0.08%
Phase: source phase, no inversion
Channel separation PCM: 110dB
Channel separation DSD: 95dB

 

Output stage
2 x 6SN7 dual triode voltage driver 
2 x ECC82 dual triode, high current output driver
A pair of Jensen Copper paper-in-oil signal decoupling capacitors
Operation mode: pure classA single ended triode without feedback

Controls
Front panel power On/Off switch 
Rear panel device pwr cut-off switch
Front panel rotary input selector with LED indicators for: inputs, SPDIF signal ON and DSD ON,
Front panel rotary volume control

Power requirements
Mains voltage: 100-120VAC or 220-240VAC (mains voltage compatibility is factory set according to order)
Power consumption: 50W

Physical
Unit weight: 13.5kg
Unit dimensions: 44cm (W) x 31cm (D) x 15cm (H), 17.32" x 12.20" x 5.90"
Shipping weight: 19.5kg
Shipping dimensions: 65cm (W) x 55cm (D) x 40cm (H), 25.59" x 21.65" x 15.74"